DL 320
Trusted Third Parties
Welcome back, all. Here is Digitally Literate, issue #320.
I posted the following this week:
- Think of your life in chunks - Bill Gates is given attribution for stating that "Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years." How you think abotu today...and plan for tomorrow?
🔖 Key Takeaways
- Trust in Blockchain: Understanding the role of trusted third parties in digital solutions.
- Intentional Living: Strategies to combat time scarcity and focus on what matters.
- Digital Advocacy: Protecting privacy and user rights in an increasingly surveilled world.
📚 This Week’s Highlights
1. The first 20 hours - how to learn anything
Josh Kaufman suggests you can learn a new skill with just 20 hours of deliberate practice. The method includes:
- Breaking skills into components
- Learning enough to avoid major mistakes
- Removing barriers to practice
- Practicing daily for 20 hours
Why this matters: By focusing on core components, learning becomes more accessible and less intimidating.
2. The country inoculating against disinformation
Estonia, known for its digital advancements, ranks among the top nations in media literacy. The country’s proactive response to cyber threats offers a model for digital resilience.
Although Estonia has a population of just 1.3 million, it is known as one of the world's most digitally advanced countries. Last year the tiny nation ranked third in the 2021 Media Literacy Index, compiled by the European Policies Initiative of the Open Society Institute (OSI), behind Finland and Denmark.
Why this matters: Strengthening media literacy helps combat disinformation and build informed societies.
3. The Inevitability of Trusted Third Parties
Cory Doctorow breaks down trust in blockchain systems with two key questions:
- How do we verify the accuracy of data on the blockchain?
- How do we ensure the physical item matches its blockchain entry?
Why this matters: Understanding the limitations of blockchain clarifies when and where it is an appropriate solution.
4. Boring crypto definitions
Doug Belshaw provides a straightforward primer on crypto terminology to demystify the often confusing jargon.
Why this matters: Clear definitions empower informed conversations about emerging technologies.
5. EARN IT Act Returns
I've talked about the EARN IT Act previously here in this newsletter. Well...it's back again.
The new EARN IT Act still threatens encryption and stifles free speech online.
This seems to be more about a lot of scanning and not a lot of protection for users of the web. the new EARN IT Act would pave the way for a massive new surveillance system, run by private companies, that would roll back some of the most important privacy and security features in technology used by people around the globe.
If you're in the US, take action here.
Why this matters: Advocacy and awareness are crucial to defending digital rights.
6. Better output by working less?
Survey results indicate that “circuit breaker” holidays during the pandemic improved employee mental health and morale.
Why this matters: Prioritizing rest and recovery can lead to sustained productivity and well-being.
🛠️ DO: How to Make the Most of Your 24 Hours
Leo Babuta outlines the challenges of time scarcity and possible ways to deal with this. Time scarcity is when we feel rushed like there’s not enough time to do everything, we're always behind, or never feel like we’re doing enough.
- Be intentional at the start of each day.
- Focus on what matters most instead of trying to do everything.
- Create moments of transcendence.
- Reflect with gratitude.
🌟 Closing Reflection
“The trust of the innocent is the liar's most useful tool.”
— Stephen King
Reflect and Engage
- How can blockchain solutions address issues of trust and verification? Explore more in Blockchain and Trust Issues.
- What strategies can help you overcome time scarcity and focus on priorities? Share your thoughts in Time Management and Planning Strategies.
- How do we balance security and privacy in the digital age? Reflect in Digital Literacy and Privacy Advocacy.
Thank you for reading Digitally Literate. Stay tuned for more insights and discussions. Connect with me at hello@digitallyliterate.net or explore Newsletter Index for all past issues.